Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a display part to input information about a print medium; a print medium tray to load the print medium; a paper guide to align the loaded print medium in the print medium tray; a sensor to sense information about the a of the print medium according to movement of the print medium guide; and a control unit to receive the sensed print medium size information from the sensor and to input the print medium size into the display part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit and a feeding unit for feeding a recording material at a predetermined speed to the image forming unit. A reflective type sensor reads irradiated light reflected off of the recording material and an image reading unit reads the light so as to obtain a surface image of the recording material so that a feed control unit can control the feeding of the recording medium so that a moving distance is shorter and in the case of feeding it at a predetermined speed while the recording material is read by the image reading unit. In the image forming apparatus a reflective type determination unit determines a predetermined attribute of the recording material using the surface image of the recording material read by the image reading unit so that the image forming apparatus can determine a kind of recording material based on the attribute obtain so as to form the image on the recording material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a sheet feeding tray to store a sheet; an image forming section to form an image on the sheet; a fusing section to fuse the image; a controlling section to perform cleaning of the fusing section when a sheet has been nipped in the fusing section at an occurrence of a jam by passing a sheet through the fusing section after the jam is relieved; an operating section to set an allowed condition of a sheet; and a memory section to store an allowed condition, wherein the controlling section determines whether the sheet feeding tray stores a sheet which satisfies the allowed condition, and when the sheet feeding tray stores the sheet which satisfies the allowed condition, selects the sheet feeding tray and controls the sheet feeding tray to feed the sheet and controls the fusing section to pass the sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a sheet feeder that feeds the sheet to the image forming unit, a detector that detects a width of the sheet, a setting unit that is operated by a user to input a width and a length of a nonstandard-size sheet, a determination unit that determines whether the width of the nonstandard-size sheet detected by the detector and the width of the nonstandard-size sheet inputted by the user to the setting unit differ from each other, when the image is printed on the nonstandard-size sheet and a controller that controls the image forming unit to form the image, based on the width of the sheet detected by the detector and the length of the sheet inputted by the user to the setting unit, when the determination unit determines that the detected width and the inputted width differ from each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for use with a transfer sheet includes: a sheet feeding unit structured to feed the transfer sheet; a color detection sensor structured to detect color information on the transfer sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit; a recognition section structured to recognize whether the transfer sheet subjected to the detection by the color detection sensor is a non-tabbed transfer sheet having no tab, or either a tabbed transfer sheet having a tab or an unprocessed tabbed transfer sheet blank, the unprocessed tabbed transfer sheet blank being capable of being processed into a tabbed transfer sheet having a tab by post-processing, wherein a recognition result is made based on the color information detected by the color detection sensor; and a control section that controls image forming on and conveying of the fed transfer sheet, according to the recognition result by the recognition section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the invention conveys paper fed by a paper feeding mechanism piece by piece to a paper discharging unit through a paper conveying path. An image forming unit is arranged in a midway portion of this paper conveying path and executes an image forming process for printing an image based on image data on paper being conveyed. A sensor that detects a type of the paper conveyed is arranged on an upstream side with respect to the image forming unit on the paper conveying path. Image forming process conditions for the image forming unit are set in accordance with a detection result of the sensor. When the paper fed is paper not detected by the sensor, the image forming process is not started. After paper type detection by the sensor, the paper is directly discharged. When the paper fed is paper of the same type as paper detected by the sensor, the image forming process is started without performing paper type detection.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section to form a toner image based on print data; a transfer section to transfer the toner image onto a transfer sheet; a fixing section to fix the toner image transferred onto the transfer sheet; a cleaning section for cleaning at least one of the image forming section, the transfer section and the fixing section; and a control section to determine an existence area of a real image in a print image based on the print data, to determine a size of the transfer sheet, onto which the print image is printed and to control the cleaning device based on determinations of the image determination section and the transfer sheet size determination section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus controls an image forming device on the basis of outputs from a detecting device for detecting a recording material accommodated in a storage device. The detecting device faces a recording material supporting member, and is able to come in contact with the recording material supported on the recording material supporting member. A supporting portion that supports the detecting device so as to be rotatable and a holding portion that holds the supporting portion so as to be movable allow for reliable and stable detection of the recording material by the detecting device even when the position of the recording material supporting member is changed.

Abstract: A sheet tray (1) includes at least one sheet detecting sensor (10) for detecting a sheet set on a sheet setting surface (2). The sheet detecting sensor (10) includes (i) a movable detecting section having a projecting section which projects from the sheet setting surface (2), and (ii) a detecting section for detecting rotation of the movable detecting section, and the projecting section have a ball-like shape. This makes it possible to provide (i) a sheet tray which is able to prevent breakage of sheet and breakage of the projecting section even when setting the sheet on the sheet setting surface from any direction and any angle; (ii) a sheet transporting apparatus including the sheet tray; and (iii) an image forming apparatus including the sheet tray.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a primary transfer section which transfers a toner image formed in an image forming section onto an intermediate transfer belt; a back-up roller arranged on an inner periphery side of the intermediate transfer belt; a secondary transfer roller that is in pressure contact with the back-up roller through the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt onto a transfer material while conveying the transfer material; a moving mechanism which moves a position where the secondary transfer roller is in contact with the back-up roller through the intermediate transfer belt; and a controller which controls the moving mechanism based on information relating to a thickness of the transfer material obtained by a thickness information obtaining section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of feeding paper from a paper feeding unit when paper types set in selected paper feeding units are all the same type even if the selected paper feeding units do not include a paper feeding unit in which a predetermined paper type is set. At least one of paper feeding portions stacking a paper with the designated paper size is selected based on an attribute set to each of a plurality of paper feeding portions. in a case where a selected plurality of paper feeding portions do not include a paper feeding portion set with the predetermined attribute when the attributes set to the selected plurality of paper feeding portions are the same, a paper is fed to the image forming unit from any one of the selected plurality of paper feeding portions.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus has: a tray on which sheets to be fed are stacked; a sheet feeding portion which separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the tray one by one; and a sensor which discriminates a type of sheet. In a state in which one sheet of the sheets stacked on the tray is protruded from the tray by the sheet feeding portion, the sensor discriminates the type of the protruded sheet.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus comprising a tray that outputs information by which various kinds of fixed form sized of recording mediums can be discriminated and a controller to acquire a approximate size of a recording medium having an unfixed form size by conducting an operation for detecting a fixed form size of the recording medium by referring to the information if the recording medium having the unfixed form size is stacked on the tray, wherein, according to the approximate size, the controller controls an operation for displaying information corresponding to unfixed form size or sizes registered in advance.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the invention conveys paper fed by a paper feeding mechanism piece by piece to a paper discharging unit through a paper conveying path. An image forming unit is arranged in a midway portion of this paper conveying path and executes an image forming process for printing an image based on image data on paper being conveyed. A sensor that detects a type of the paper conveyed is arranged on an upstream side with respect to the image forming unit on the paper conveying path. Image forming process conditions for the image forming unit are set in accordance with a detection result of the sensor. When the paper fed to the paper conveying path is paper not detected by the sensor, the image forming process is started awaiting a detection result by the sensor. On the other hand, when the paper is detected by the sensor, the image forming process is started without awaiting paper type detection.

Abstract: A printing apparatus prints on a medium at a first transport speed or a second transport speed lower than the first transport speed. The printing apparatus includes: an image forming unit for forming a developer image on the medium according to a print job sent from a host device; a fixing unit for fixing the developer image on the medium; a discharge roller for discharging the medium; a discharged medium detection unit for detecting a trailing edge of the medium passing through the fixing unit; a last medium determining unit for determining whether the discharged medium detection unit detects a last medium of the print job; and a control unit for discharging the medium at the first transport speed or controlling the last medium determining unit to determine the last medium and discharging the last medium at a transport speed higher than the second transport speed.

Abstract: The length of recording paper being conveyed to an image forming section is detected. If it is found that the length is shorter as a result of the detection, the recording paper is conveyed to a reversing section to be refed to the image forming section to continue conveyance of the recording paper as in the normal image formation, but without performing the image formation. As a result, the sequence of the recording paper ejected to the paper output section is the same as that of normal printing. Thus a user can easily decide the paper on which the image formation is not carried out normally.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus identifying recording materials to decide printing conditions, information concerning the type of the recording materials identified by a recording material identification unit is stored for each paper feed port. In a subsequent print job to be printed, the use of the information having been stored in advance makes it possible to omit the recording material identification process for the subsequent recording materials. This stored information includes individual information for each recording material and a determined value obtained from a plurality of a plurality of pieces of individual information. Once the determined value is set, the determined value is used thereafter. These pieces of stored individual information and the determined value are initialized when a change of paper or the like is detected at the paper feed port corresponding to the value and to the information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that may prevent wasteful image forming in a state in which the loss or partial loss can occur of an image portion. If the length of the supplied sheet in the transport direction is shorter than a regular size by a predetermined value or more, then the laser exposing operation based on the received image data of the second or subsequent pages is stopped.

Abstract: An image formation device having computer readable instructions that alleviate the necessity of the user to enter the correct page size into the image formation device. The computer readable instructions contain, among other things, a look-up table, or map, of known print media dimensions the image formation device is able to handle. The size of the media loaded into the image formation device is detected and assigned a value according to the look-up table, or map, of the computer readable instructions. The value is compared to the known types of media that are supportable by the printer. These types of media are grouped into predetermined categories according to their respective width dimensions. A determination of whether the image formation device performs a function is made based on the comparison of the converted value to the predetermined group of media.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus body and a peripheral unit operable to transport a recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes a communication device for communicating with the peripheral unit and a controller for controlling transporting the recording medium by the peripheral unit using a communication by the communication device. The controller sets a plurality of transport speeds, each of which corresponds to a predetermined identification code, to the peripheral unit and specifies the transport speed by using the predetermined identification code to the peripheral unit.

Abstract: A medium conveying device includes a conveyance path that is used for conveying medium; a medium guide that is furnished on the conveyance path and has at least one swing supporting portion; and a supporting section that supports the swing supporting portion to swing along a separation direction separating from the conveyance path so as to make the swing supporting portion support the medium guide to swing.

Abstract: The invention is objected to perform fixing in an optimum fixing condition even with various kinds of recording materials or the like while improving usability by discriminating the kinds of recording materials. An image reading sensor 123 includes a reflective LED 301, a transmissive LED 303 disposed on the opposite side relative to a recording material 304 for detecting the transmitted amount of light, a CMOS area sensor 211, and an imaging lens 1113. The light from the reflective LED 301 as a light source is applied toward the surface of the recording material 304, and the reflected light from the recording material 304 is collected via the lens 303 and an image is formed on the CMOS area sensor 211. The LED 301 is disposed so as to apply LED light to the surface of the recording material 304 diagonally at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The present application is directed to sensors and methods of use to determine a width of a media sheet moving along a media path. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a shaft that extends at least partially across the media path. First and second paddles may extend outward from the shaft and into the media path. The paddles may be axially spaced apart along a length of the shaft, and the first paddle may be positioned upstream along the media path from the second paddle. A flag may extend outward from the shaft. A detector may be positioned in proximity to the shaft. In use, the shaft may rotate during contact between the media sheets and the paddles to move the flag. The detector may be able to differentiate between a first amount of rotation due to contact with a wide media sheet and a second amount of rotation with a narrow media sheet to determine a width of the media sheets.

Abstract: In a printing device capable of increasing a printing speed, a sheet-feeding mechanism selectively feeds to-be-printed sheets placed in a longitudinal tray and a transversal tray. A memory stores a transversal maximum printing dimension corresponding to a printing unit. A processor receives a printing signal containing first and second dimensions. The processor judges whether or not a maximum of the first dimension and the second dimension is smaller than or equal to the transversal maximum printing dimension. If yes, the processor enables the sheet-feeding mechanism to feed the to-be-printed sheet placed in the transversal tray. The processor further judges whether or not the first dimension is smaller than the second dimension. If yes, the processor rotates a printing content corresponding to the printing signal by 90 degrees and then outputs a rotated content to the printing unit. If not, the processor directly outputs the printing signal to the printing unit.

Abstract: An image forming device has an image forming unit adapted to execute image formation on a recording medium, a writing unit adapted to be able to execute at least information writing in a non-contact manner to a non-contact IC chip added to the recording medium, and a control unit (i) capable of executing both a first mode of executing control so as to change an operation of the image formation by the image forming unit based on whether or not the information writing to the non-contact IC chip by the writing unit was correctly executed, and a second mode of executing control so as to cause the image forming unit to execute the image formation to the recording medium to which the non-contact IC chip has been added, irrespective of whether or not the information writing to the non-contact IC chip by the writing unit was correctly executed, and (ii) adapted to selectively execute one of the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A document size sensor is disposed on a document feed path at a location between a document tray and a juncture and on the front side in the primary scanning direction perpendicular to a document feed direction. The document size sensor is located between a sheet edge position for B4-size document sheet and a sheet edge position for A 4 -size document sheet, which are situated on the front side in the primary scanning direction. The document size sensor detects A3 - and B 4 -size document sheets but does not detect A 4 - or B5-size document sheet. Based on a detection signal from the document size sensor, judgment is made as to whether a document sheet fed from the document tray is a larger-sized document sheet or a smaller-sized document sheet.

Abstract: A method for determining a media feature includes directing light toward a media path and a reflector. The reflector converges the light on a light detector. Intensity data is collected from the light detector and analyzed to determine the media feature.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine is provided. In the device, a predetermined period of time is measured from when an operator has specified a desired size of paper through an operation panel. A duration is measured, during which a paper feed cassette accommodating the desired-size paper specified through the operation panel has been absent from a cassette loading section at a specified loading position. A determination is made as to whether or not an appropriate operational condition has been met by completing loading of a paper feed cassette accommodating the desired-size paper on the cassette loading section, provided that the duration has lasted for more than a certain period of time within the predetermined period of time. When it is determined that the appropriate operational condition has not been met, a warning indicative of the inappropriate operational condition is given through the operation panel.

Abstract: A paper type determination device of the invention drives plural light emitting points different from one another and having sequentially increasing distances from a reference point to emit light in such a manner that each is identified for irradiating one surface of a sheet of paper subjected to determination. A photodetection device set at a specific detection field of view having the center at the reference point is disposed on the other surface side of the sheet of paper, and it receives light having passed through the sheet of paper from the respective light emitting points at positions on inside and outside of the detection field of view to detect intensity of light for each light emitting point. A diffusing characteristic of the sheet of paper is obtained on the basis of the intensity of light from each light emitting point detected by the photodetection device, and a paper type is determined on the basis of the diffusing characteristic.

Abstract: An image forming device comprises: an image forming unit adapted to execute image formation on a recording medium; and a writing unit adapted to be able to execute at least an information writing operation in a non-contact manner to a non-contact IC added to the recording medium. It is controlled whether or not the image forming unit should execute the image formation on the recording medium, according to a result of the information writing operation executed by the writing unit to the non-contact IC added to the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a printer engine which forms an image on a medium; a unit which supplies the medium to the engine through a path; an element which emits light onto the medium at a position on the path; a receiving element which receives transmitted light of the light emitted which is transmitted through the medium; another receiving element which receives reflected light of the light emitted which is reflected by the medium; a unit which executes a detection through the emission and reception; a unit which determines a characteristic of the medium based on detection signals output by the receiving elements as a result of the detection; and a control unit which executes a control in the apparatus based on the characteristic.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus determining a paper feed source having a possibility of feeding paper sheets in executing a printing job in accordance with contents of the printing job and detecting characteristics of a paper sheet fed from the paper feed source for executes printing processing of a printing job, wherein the printing of the printing job is performed by feeding at least one paper sheet from each of all the paper feed sources having a possibility of paper feed and, if the detected characteristics of the paper sheet do not meet the characteristics of a paper sheet stored in a memory, printing processing is temporarily or completely stopped.

Abstract: An image forming device determines a plurality of conditions in the device. In one embodiment, a signal source positioned downstream from a media input tray emits a signal. The signal reflects off of a reflective member and is received by a detector. Based on the amounts of the signal detected by the detector, a controller can determine a media input tray condition and a media sheet condition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image formation portion for forming a toner image on a sheet, and a fixation device for fixing the toner image formed by the image formation portion on the sheet. When a sheet jam occurs, it is controlled whether the fixation device should be driven such that the sheet is discharged from the fixation device based on a sheet type.

Abstract: The sheet material identification apparatus, includes a sensor adapted to bring a probe having a built-in piezoelectric element into contact with a surface of sheet material being conveyed, and thereby to generate electric detection signals corresponding with irregularities of the sheet material surface; an identification part adapted to identify types of sheet material based on detection signals outputted from the above described sensor; and a correct part adapted to correct fluctuations in detection features of the above described sensor based on detection output of the above described sensor at the time when the above described sensor has detected correction sheet material having a predetermined surface roughness.

Abstract: A high performance printing system includes a paper tray for holding the blank paper prior to printing. The printer engine demands that the paper size be selected from a limited set of allowable paper sizes. A paper guide mechanism installed in the paper tray has a configuration that operates to guide a paper size having a reduced width relative to a particular allowed paper size. The paper guide mechanism allows reduced width paper to be used in the paper tray, essentially without otherwise adjusting the printing system, such that the printer engine sees the paper size as a particular allowed paper size when a reduced width paper is being used for printing.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, when a general user pulls a paper tray out of the image forming apparatus, changes used paper with another paper having different paper quality to insert the paper tray into the image forming apparatus and operates a touch panel to change the paper quality setting, a CPU stores paper quality data before change in a RAM. The CPU returns the paper quality setting to the paper quality setting before change when a printing job is completed on the paper after paper quality change.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: a sheet-length detection member for detecting a length of a sheet; a transfer-length detection member for detecting a transfer length of the sheet; a double-feed detection member for detecting double feed of the sheets when the sheets are transferred while being overlapped with one another; and a control member for controlling the sheet-length detection member, the transfer-length detection member and the double-feed detection member; wherein the control member determines that double feed of the sheets has occurred, when the transfer length of the sheet is greater than the length of the sheet and a length obtained by subtracting a difference between the transfer length of the sheet and the length of the sheet from the length of the sheet is substantially equal to a double-feed length detected by the double-feed detection member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that can improve the interest of the user in the ecology. The apparatus includes an image input portion that inputs image data, a printing portion that prints onto a recording sheet an image indicated by the image data inputted by the image input portion, a condition setting portion that sets printing conditions for executing printing by the printing portion, a displaying portion that displays the printing conditions that the condition setting portion has set, a used amount calculating portion that calculates the used amount of paper from the size of and the number of recording sheets used by executing printing by the printing portion based on the printing conditions set by the condition setting portion, and a display controlling portion that controls the displaying portion to display the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating portion.

Abstract: A double-sided image forming apparatus, including: an image forming section; a sheet supplying section, which supplies a sheet to the image forming section, including paired registration rollers which convey the sheet supplied from the sheet supplying section to the image forming section; a flipping conveyance route which conveys the sheet carrying an image formed by the image forming section on a front side, and which flips the sheet to re-supply to the paired registration rollers; and a control section which controls to change a length of the flipping conveyance route, and controls to convey the sheet based on a size of the sheet.

Abstract: Preventing a paper jam as much as possible when actual paper size differs from designated paper size with increasing throughput by starting conveyance of a second sheet before detecting the length of a first sheet. Unless a register sensor has detected the rear edge (step S303), start of feeding the next sheet is checked (step S304). If started, a prescribed value 1 is applied (step S305). If not started, a prescribed value 2 is applied (step S306). Unless the rear edge is detected before a timer measures “estimated time+prescribed value” (step S307), a paper jam decision is made (step S308). If the rear edge is detected before the timer measures the “estimated time+prescribed value” (step S303), the processing is completed without making a paper jam decision. Making the prescribed value 1 less than the prescribed value 2 enables reducing the paper jam caused by incorrect setting.

Abstract: A method and system for nip gap adjustment of a roller pair such as is used in a printing device with a fusing station for fusing a substance to a substrate and a sheet transfer path for transporting the substrate through the device. The roller pair may be located along the sheet transfer path after the fusing station and includes a first roll having a first axis of rotation and a second roll having a second axis of rotation, the second roll operatively positioned with respect to the first roll so as to transport a substrate with the first roll and the second roll. The device further includes a nip gap changing mechanism for changing the separation between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation to establish a nip gap.

Abstract: A printing device with a manual paper feeding function includes a manual paper feeding unit which feeds a plurality of papers, a size sensor which detects a paper size of a fed paper, a paper size error determining unit that determines a presence or an absence of a paper size error in accordance with a detected paper size of the fed paper and a set size, a next page determining unit that determines a presence or an absence of a next page to be printed in accordance with the determination of the presence of the paper size error in case of a manual paper feeding operation and a control unit that ignores the determination of the presence of the paper size error in case of the absence of the next page to be printed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of forming an image on any of an image-erasable recording medium having recording-medium identification information and a recording medium and is capable performing image formation according to a first mode for forming an erasable image and according to a second mode for forming an inerasable image arbitrarily. The apparatus includes an image-forming unit, a detecting unit, and a control unit, feeds the image-erasable recording medium to the image-forming unit and allows the same to carry out image formation according to the first image-forming mode, when the first image-forming mode is selected, the detecting unit detects a recording medium having the recording medium-identification information, and the mode-control unit determines that image formation on an image-erasable recording medium can be carried out and does not prohibit image formation according to the first image-forming mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a printer engine which forms an image on a medium; a unit which supplies the medium to the engine through a path; an element which emits light onto the medium at a position on the path; a receiving element which receives transmitted light of the light emitted which is transmitted through the medium; another receiving element which receives reflected light of the light emitted which is reflected by the medium; a unit which executes a detection through the emission and reception; a unit which determines a characteristic of the medium based on detection signals output by the receiving elements as a result of the detection; and a control unit which executes a control in the apparatus based on the characteristic.

Abstract: An image I/O apparatus has a paper feeding direction specifying control unit 125 which is constructed in a manner such that when a plurality of paper sizes exist mixedly in one image forming job, on the basis of paper mixture information which is set on a printer driver of a PC/WS 11 and shows which paper sizes exist mixedly in the one image forming job, the paper feeding direction for performing a paper feed in the vertical direction or a paper feed in the lateral direction to the paper which can be fed in both of the vertical direction and the lateral direction is specified.

Abstract: A method of measuring a paper size using a paper feeder having a fixedly mounted body part and a fastener apparatus movable depending on the paper size includes receiving light reflected from the body part with respect to an amount of a sent light, measuring the amount of the received light, and extracting information on a paper size corresponding to the measured amount of light from stored information. The extracted information of the paper size can be transmitted to a display unit, so that a user can recognize the information.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading process has determining an estimated size of an original based on a width of the original, securing a memory region, the memory region having capacity to hold a maximum image data associated with the estimated size, generating an image data as the original is conveying over the read window, loading the image data into the memory region, after the original passed the read window determining a page size based on the width and the image data.

Abstract: A method for determining a media feature includes directing light toward a media path and a reflector. The reflector converges the light on a light detector. Intensity data is collected from the light detector and analyzed to determine the media feature.

Abstract: An imaging device, such as a printer, scanner, copier, multifunctional printer, and the like includes a sensor to detect the size of media fed into the imaging device. The detected media size can be set as the default media size for further operations, if desired.